8 Ways to Be Social Without Drinking Valiant Living Men’s Treatment Center in Colorado

And although youknowthese things happen when you drink, you still believe that alcohol will somehow cure boredom and make you have more fun than if you were sober. If you’ve been led to believe one thing your entire life, chances are you’re going to keep believing that thing is true. You probably won’t think anything is wrong until you learn to take an objective view of your beliefs. Soon, drinking became the only way I knew how to connect with people. It wasn’t just a crutch anymore; it had completely wiped out my ability to socialize and connect with people. Join social media groups for people who participate in sober activities.

Third, a signature drink deflects from the fact you’re not drinking alcohol. For the same of convenience, it’s typically best to go with water, soft drinks, or iced tea. It also helps if you make friends with someone who also has—or is currently in the process of—overcoming substance abuse.

Bring a Sober Friend

One of the bigger shifts for people with addiction is to stop hanging out at parties and around people who drink a lot. Sometimes even the smell of alcohol brings a flood of memories, thoughts, and feelings that are hard to dismiss. It can seem like people drink everywhere; holidays, work parties, going-away parties, after-work events. To get away from most events with alcohol takes intentionality but it also brings peace of mind to your sobriety.

Staying true to yourself shows these people that recovery is possible. Another great way to meet sober people is by participating in hobbies or sports specifically for people in sobriety. There might be a group for sober hikers or a group of sober people who watch movies together every Friday. If there isn’t a group like that in your area, consider making one. No matter what drove you to give up booze—and whether or not it is a permanent decision—learning to socialize without it can be a challenge.

Why Certain Foods can lead to Addiction

Now that we have some tricks under our sleeve to enjoy ourselves while spending time with a social group. Now let’s talk about some social activities you can take part in that don’t involve booze. Just remember to always have an excuse ready before going out. Whatever you do, don’t hesitate to be assertive and maintain your sobriety during a social interaction that involves drinks. Moreover, it will also help them understand what you’re going through and how they can best support you. It can also be a bonding experience – by sharing your story, you’re letting your friends in and giving them a chance to understand and empathize with you. Sober meetups are often advertised online or on social media and offer group activities like painting, beach days, or even paintball if you’re looking for an adrenaline-fueled adventure.

• And, of course, your friends may want to go to bars, clubs, or other events where alcohol is one of the main attractions.
• Going to your nephew’s birthday party may put you in the middle of family conflict.
• I was shy, awkward, and lonely until my mid-twenties and created this site to be the kind of guide I wish I’d had at the time.
• It takes a lot more than sharing tequila shots to become close with another human.
• There are even sober bars popping up in major cities across the country where you can be social without the pressure of drinking.
• Find something to do in your community, whether that be a new sport or a new craft.

The chances are that you will eventually be faced with a question about why you are not drinking at a party or work event. Planning your responses in advance can help you feel more confident in explaining your choice not to drink. Unfortunately, it’s possible you may encounter people who continue to push you to drink despite your best efforts to convince them that you want sober networking to stick to non-alcoholic beverages. These people can be frustrating, but keep in mind that a stubborn insistence that you need to drink to enjoy yourself may be not even be about you. If you’ve filled your time by hanging out at the bar, try to fill that time instead with trying new things. Hobbies are a great way to try something new while also meeting other people.

Finding Fun Sober Groups

That’s not okay, either – you deserve to have healthy, reciprocal relationships that encourage you to be the best “you” possible without putting you at risk. Many markets have live music and offer a great opportunity to catch up with friends while supporting your local farmers. https://ecosoberhouse.com/ You could also say that you’re looking forward to a sober event and don’t want to drink beforehand. If that’s not possible, try saying that you have an early morning tomorrow and need to stay sober. This is a polite way to decline without having to explain your situation.